Disney Announces MagicBands for Annual Passholders

Disney is taking yet another step in the roll out of their RFID technology with an announcement that MagicBands (bracelets/wristbands) will begin shipping to Annual Passholders later this month.

To date, the MagicBands, which are the new room key, have been available only to Onsite Resort Guests. Disney Hotel Guests can also use the special wristbands for resort-wide charging privileges, park admission, and PhotoPass and FastPass+ administration.

The news means Annual Passholders will also be able to receive MagicBands whether they stay onsite or not and make FastPass+ selections in advance. Passholders will be given a 30 day advance window for FastPass+ selection while Resort Guests are being given 60 days. The bands are synched to your online Disney account which you manage through the My Disney Experience website or smartphone app where you can make your advance FastPass+ choices (3 selections per day in one park). All others must wait until they arrive at the park to make their 3 FastPass+ selections for the day at in park kiosks using their RFID enabled admission ticket.

The initial indication for Passholders is a restriction of "seven days of FastPass+ selections within any 30 day period."